Why Do Burn Injuries Happen at Fort Worth Worksites?

There are different types of burn injuries, including thermal burns, electrical burns, chemical burns, and radiation burns. Burns often cause permanent scarring and disfigurement, and other severe problems like respiratory illnesses and infections. In the most tragic cases, a Fort Worth worker dies from burn injuries in an on-the-job accident.

Where do burn injuries occur in Fort Worth?

According to the American Burn Association, 486,000 people required treatment for burns every year. The following industries are known for causing serious or fatal burn injuries:

• The oilfield industry
• The automotive industry
• Construction worksites
• Chemical plants
• Electrical appliance companies
• Utility companies
• Paper mills
• Restaurants and food service companies
• Hotels
• Trucking industry
• Any business requiring employees use cars or other vehicles for work

Some industries are more prone to different types of burn and fire injuries than others:

• Thermal burns. Here, the victim comes into direct contact with the heat source. Common examples of thermal burns include steam, boiling water, and fire. Thermal burn injuries are common at restaurants and in manufacturing.
• Smoke inhalation. This type of burn injury can cause severe lung damage. Workplaces that use open fires are a danger to their workers. Firefighters have a high risk of smoke inhalation.
• Gas explosions. Just a small leak in a pipeline can cause a gas explosion. Some of the industries where gas explosions are likely are the oil and gas industry and industries that use fuel tanks.
• Electrical burns. These burn injuries occur when a worker comes into contact with an electrical current such as a power line, exposed wire, or when using certain types of equipment. These injuries are often catastrophic or fatal.
• Chemical burns. Any industry where the workers routinely work with or transport dangerous chemicals, they are at risk for chemical burns, which can damage the skin, eyes, and other body parts. Construction sites, manufacturing sites, and cleaning companies often work with toxic chemicals.

Hotels in particular need to be especially proactive regarding fire safety, as a fire can kill or injure many people.

What type of claim can I file if I’m injured on the job?

At Slack Davis Sanger, our personal injury lawyers have more than 200 combined years of experience. We understand what type of claim to file depending on how the accident happened and your employment status.

• Personal injury. If you’re injured in a car accident, construction site, or any other accident, you have the right to hold the people who caused your accident liable if they were negligent or careless. Once liability is established, you can demand compensation for your medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering. In burn injury cases, victims can also seek damages for things like scarring and disfigurement because living with burn injuries is usually quite traumatic.
• Product liability. If your burn injuries are due to a defective product such as a defective fuel line or fuel tank, then you can file a product liability claim against the manufacturers, distributors, and sellers of the product. There is no need to prove negligence (though you can also assert negligence) in a product liability claim. Damages are generally the same as for a personal injury case.

Injured employees are generally required to file for Texas workers’ compensation benefits. However, if you are not covered by workers’ compensation, we can help. The families of a worker who dies due to their burn injuries may file a wrongful death claim under certain circumstances. Our attorneys can explain more.

Workplace burn injury safety requirements for Fort Worth businesses

There are numerous federal, state, and industry standards required for employers and businesses. A failure to follow these standards increases the risk that a worker may suffer burn injuries.

The Occupational Safety Health Administration (OSHA) has workplace burn prevention requirements to prevent first-, second-, and third-degree burns. Employers should understand what types of burn injuries are likely to occur at their worksite. Preventative steps include:

• Make sure there are fire extinguishers ready and that they are in working condition.
• Have a clean workplace.
• Store flammable and combustible materials securely and away from any possible ignition sources.
• Read the “labels and Material Safety Data Sheets for chemicals in the workplace.”
• Wear the correct protective clothing for working with hazardous items
• Be very careful when working with chemicals and heat sources.
• Be prepared to handle emergencies by having plans in place.
• Follow “Lock-Out / Tag-Out procedures when working with electricity.”

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that employers and workers:

• Know where the exits are (without relying on lights) and what the evacuation plans are in case of a fire or an emergency. Make sure the exits are not locked.
• Install working smoke alarm systems.
• Take every alarm seriously.
• Have an outdoor meeting place.
• Contact the fire department as soon as possible. “Tell them your address and don’t hang up
• until you’re told to do so. Let them know if anyone is trapped inside.”
• Don’t go back into a burning building for any reason. Wait for the firefighters instead.

At Slack Davis Sanger, our Fort Worth catastrophic injury lawyers represent victims who suffer burn injuries, amputation, head trauma, spinal cord damage, and other serious injuries. We work with fire safety professionals, product safety experts, and others to show what type of accident caused your burn injuries. We work with your surgeons, psychologists, and other health professionals to fully show how devastating and life-changing your injuries are. To speak with a seasoned Fort Worth burn injury lawyer, call us at  (800) 455-8686 or complete our contact form to schedule an appointment.